Arrivederci

When a person reaches 20 years of age, they are considered to be an adult in Japan. Drinking alcohol is permitted from this age and you can enjoy a greater degree of freedom. On one hand, you become a full citizen and are given the right to vote, but at the same time, you also have new responsibilities as an adult, such as having to enroll in a pension plan and other duties.
People celebrate the adulthood of those reaching 20 on what is known as seijinnohi, or coming-of-age day. This celebration used to be held on January 15th, but it was moved to the second Monday of January in the year 2000. Each town and city has its own ceremony. The “new adults” go back to their hometown to attend the ceremony, so it is a good opportunity for them to catch up with old friends. Many women wear furisode, colorful, long-sleeved kimono, and have their hair dressed in a formal up-style, while some men also wear kimono with hakama.